Gokshura: The herb for Urinary system care

   

      

   

  Gokshura is commonly known as Caltrops and is found through out India especially in sandy soils. The name “Gokshura “ is given to the plant as it contains thorns in their fruit which can injure the grazing cattle. Gokshura have excellent results in alleviating conditions like Dysuria and Renal calculus. According to Ayurvedic textbooks, Gokshura is Mutrala and Bastisodhaka (Clears urine and purifies urinary bladder). Dr.Varun Ram Raj of Ayurvedatarian uses the herb Gokshura to treat diseases like Dysuria, Non bleeding piles etc. The plant is known to have all the three dosha alleviating nature. It is used in various conditions with Vata, Pitta and Kapha dosha misbalance. The plant contains phyto-constituents like quercitin, rutin etc and aids in it diuretic actions. 

GENERAL ASPECTS AND GEOGRAPHY

Botanical name : Tribulus terrestris    

Family :  Zygophyllaceae 

Habitat: Found through out India

PARTS USED

• Roots and fruits 

CLASSICAL CATEGORIZATION based on AYURVEDA TEXTBOOKS 

Charaka Samhita – Mutravirecaniya varga ( Diuretic )

Susruta Samhita – Vidarigandhadi gana

PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTION 

• Aphrodisiac 
• Demulcent 
• Diuretic 
• Tonic  

Medicinal property according to Ayurveda

• Dipana (Carminative property)
• Mutrala (  Diuretic )
• Balya (Promotes strength)
• Vrishya (Aphrodisiac )
• Arsoghna (cures haemorrhoids)
• 
  

THERAPEUTIC INDICATIONS

• Dysuria (Mutrakrchra)- Gruel prepared from Gokshura is taken along with jaggery to cure dysuria/ painful or difficult urination
• Renal Calculus (Asmari )/ Kidney stone – Powder of Gokshura mixed with honey and goat’s milk (or vegetable milk) and is taken internally for a period of 7 days can break calculus or stone. 
• Hair growth(Kesyavardhana)- Flowers of Gokshura and Sesamum are mixed with equal quantity of honey and ghee and applied on the scalp.

DOSAGE

Powder (Churna) – 5 g

Decoction (Kashaya)- 60 ml

Juice (Swarasa)- 10-15 ml

Tablet - 2 tablets twice daily or as per the advice of the Ayurveda doctor 

Note: Ayurveda medications must be taken only after consulting an Ayurveda doctor. 

FORMULATIONS 

• Gokshuradyavaleha 
• Virataradi Kashayam
• Gokshurabija churna
• Gokshura kwatha
• Swadamstradi ghrtha

Morphology :

 A prostrate herb with slender creeping stem. Leaves are compound. Flowers are bright yellowish. Fruit contains spines.

VERNACULAR NAMES OF  GOKSHURA 

English – Small caltrops

Hindi- Chota Gokhru

Malayalam – Njerunjil 

SYNONYMS of GOKSHURA 

• Vanasrnga
• Gokandaka
• Trikandaka
• Palamkasha

RASAPANCHAKA – GOKSHURA - Ayurvedic Pharmacology

Rasa- Madhura (Sweet) 

Guna-  Guru (Heavy)

Vipaka- Madhura (sweet)

Virya- Sita (cold)

  Gokshura is Tridoshasamaka (Alleviates all 3 doshas namely Vata, Pitta and Kapha). According to classic textbooks Gokshura can be used to treat diseases like Asmari (Renal calculus), Prameha (Diabetes), Swasa(Respiratory disorders),  Kasa (Cough) etc. Ayurvedatarian has been conducting many researches on Gokshura to find out it’s most potent form in treating Dysuria and Calculus. Dr. Varun Ram Raj, is leading the research for Ayurvedatarian single herbs and herbal combinations for making the availability of high quality herbal as well as Ayurvedic products to the entire globe. 

RESEARCHES ON GOKSHURA 

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3665088/

2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3931200/

Frequently asked Questions

1) Is Gokshura good for reducing arthritic conditions? 

   Yes, Decoction made up of Gokshura and ginger is taken at a dose of 90 ml to reduce Rheumatoid arthritis.

2) What are the uses of Gokshura modaka?

 Gokshura modaka is used as an Aphrodisiac and should be taken as prescribed by an Ayurvedic physician.

3) What are the benefits of Gokshura tablet?

  Gokshura tablet is highly beneficial in men’s reproductive health and renal calculus (Kidney stone). It is also used in the management of diabetes mellitus and respiratory system ailments.